Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pacific Grove, CA
Considering a move to Pacific Grove, CA? This charming coastal city of 15,471 residents is known for its mild climate, excellent schools, and stunning ocean views. While the median home price is $1,180,000 and rents average $2,650, residents enjoy low crime rates (just 92 violent crimes per 100k) and short 20-minute commutes. Pacific Grove stands out with high educational attainment (over half of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher) and a strong local healthcare presence, making it an inviting spot for those seeking quality of life on California’s scenic Central Coast.
Demographics - Pacific Grove, CA
Demographics - Pacific Grove, CA
Pacific Grove has a population of 15,471 and a relatively high median age of 49.1, reflecting a mature community. The city is predominantly White (76%), with smaller Asian and Hispanic populations, and about 13.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a close-knit, neighborly atmosphere with a balanced gender ratio.
Population:
15,471
Density:
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.1
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.8%
Black:
1.4%
Asian:
7.6%
Others:
15.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pacific Grove, CA?
Living in Pacific Grove comes with a high cost of living, with a median home value of $1,180,000 and average rent around $2,650 per month. Everyday expenses, including groceries and utilities, are well above the national average, making budgeting important for newcomers. California's state taxes also range widely, so residents should plan accordingly.
Median House Value:
$1,180,000
Gross Rent:
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
195.2
Grocery:
124.7
Housing:
319.2
Utilities:
110.6
Transportation:
138.4
Health Care:
112.9
Miscellaneous:
108.3
Crime
Is Pacific Grove, CA a safe place to live?
Pacific Grove is considered a safe community, with only 92 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a low chance of violent crime at 1 in 1,087. Property crime rates are also below national averages, contributing to the city's reputation as a secure place to live. Residents can enjoy peace of mind with these favorable statistics.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
92
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,090
Crime Index:
1,182
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,087
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 92
Weather
What is the weather like in Pacific Grove, CA year-round?
Pacific Grove enjoys a mild coastal climate year-round, with summer highs in the upper 60s and winter lows rarely dipping below the mid-40s. The city receives about 19.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine on 68% of days, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The comfortable weather is a significant draw for many residents.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
68°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Residents of Pacific Grove benefit from a median household income of $96,200 and a low poverty rate of 7.9%. The community is highly educated, with 97% holding at least a high school diploma and over half earning a bachelor's degree or higher. Most neighbors commute less than 20 minutes, and public transportation usage is minimal.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$96,200
Family Income:
$115,000
Per Capita Income:
$60,300
Income Male:
$67,000
Income Female:
$49,800
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$2,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.8%
Commute Time:
19.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
54.7%
Education
How are the schools in Pacific Grove, CA?
Pacific Grove is known for its strong public schools, including Pacific Grove High School, which maintains favorable student-teacher ratios and serves about 630 students. The city also offers private school options and is conveniently located near higher education institutions like Monterey Peninsula College and California State University, Monterey Bay. This makes the area attractive for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Pacific Grove High School
Street:
615 Sunset Dr
Phone:
831-646-6590
Students:
630
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Pacific Grove Middle School
Street:
835 Forest Ave
Phone:
831-646-6568
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Robert Down Elementary School
Street:
485 Pine Ave
Phone:
831-646-6540
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. Angela's Preschool
Street:
362 Lighthouse Ave
Phone:
831-372-3555
Students:
60
Colleges
Name:
Monterey Peninsula College
City:
Monterey
State:
CA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
California State University, Monterey Bay
City:
Seaside
State:
CA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
7,600
Healthcare
Pacific Grove offers excellent healthcare access, with 3.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% health insurance coverage. The nearby Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula provides comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The area's healthcare index indicates strong overall care for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Address:
23625 Holman Hwy, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone:
(831) 624-5311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.2%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pacific Grove, CA?
The housing market in Pacific Grove is competitive, with a median home price of $1,180,000 and just over half of homes owner-occupied. Rental vacancies are low at 4.8%, and home values have appreciated by nearly 5% in the past year. New construction is limited, so buyers and renters should act quickly when properties become available.
Median Home Price:
$1,180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Pacific Grove residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located nearby in Seaside. The DMV offers a full range of driver and vehicle services, and appointments can be made online or by phone. Residents can expect standard California DMV procedures and resources.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1180 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside, CA 93955
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.